Lunettes noires

Went into this with high hopes since it was Argento but unfortunately it is like recent disappointments from Argento which blotch his legendary name. The high points of this film is the extreme Argento gore we have come to all love. This does have some very interesting and unusual camera work and visuals. I wouldn't recommend going out and buying this unless you are an extreme Argento fan, I would wait until it goes on to some streaming site or The Horror Channel. I am still at a loss why this is advertised with They Live homages in the poster as it has nothing to do with They Live in the actual film.

Dario Argento - I really have to rewatch some of his earlier work. Things that are (supposedly?) really good. I remember liking Suspiria for example. But I am not sure, why he ever got the name that he did - considering that most of his output was not really that good. And if you only see the last two decades ... well I know that his fans do not want to talk about that. I totally understand.

Maybe that is the reason this movie got so much praise. It actually isn't really that good, but compared to something like Giallo (did Adrian Brody really star in that one?) ... it almost feels like a masterpiece. It isn't of course. It does start off quite good, even if the nonsense is there for everyone to see (looking straight into the sun - very not smart of our main character) ... but it is supposed to be foreshadowing.

There is nudity (not from his daughter, whom I almost didn't recognize I have to admit, at least at first, because you can clearly tell it is her), even in scenes that did not need them. Don't get me wrong, I am not complaining, just telling you so you are aware of it. But the heart of it all is the killings. And they are well done. You may feel almost no sympathy for the victims, considering their poor choices that mostly nullifies their chances of survival, but the make up is good (the screaming can be annoying but let's not go into the "acting" rabbit hole we get served here) and the music/soundtrack is also what you would expect. And I mean that in a good way.

There is no mystery about whodunnit, it is almost like the movie is hitting you on the head with the information. Even if there is a flashback when the "reveal" is being made at the end - for the viewers who didn't bother to actually pay attention. I envy them - anyway, if you are a hardcore Argento fan, you probably will find something to like here. And I kind of envy you too. Not bothering with story, acting or anything that makes sense ... and I am not being sarcastic ... or shaming anyone. You go and enjoy what makes you happy and don't let anyone tell you what to like or not. Or the "inspiration" Argento felt probably was just him needing money ... that would be a mean thing to say.

I have seen Occhiali neri last night at FEST - International Film Festival, Belgrade . It's a very strange Iittle thriller, very bizarre and very low budget. The plot is extremely silly, with water snakes and other over-the-top decisions, but that's Argento for you. We don't expect logic in his films. Do we? There is warmth in it as well, it's very character driven. It feels rushed in places and acting is so-so, but overall you should definitely see if you're Argento fan. It's his best since Nonhosonno, fast paced and never boring. And yes... it's very gory. The third act reminded me of the begining of Rob Zombie's Halloween 2, because it's basically a long chase scene in the countryside. The OST is great.

It's safe to say this is far from argento's best work but certainly not his worst. One or two good kills and some decent cinematography. Plus the soundtrack is a good listen. Overall no classic but worth tracking down.

I've already seen this movie twice in a 3 days time.

The first time i mostly noticed what was NOT there:

• many choreographed murders
• the surprise/shock of finding out who the killer is
• the close ups of gloved hands and weapons to kill the victims

And in a Dario Argento's movie, for anyone familiar with his style, that is A LOT missing.

But the second view made me appreciate more the film in its own right to "exist".

I recognized in it the same sort of empathy towards the main character that i felt in Phenomena, Opera, Trauma.

Technically thumbs up for the score and cinematography.

Good performance from Asia Argento.